New Zealand itinerary 7 days (1 week) top sights, attractions

A day finding your NZ time zone balance while exploring outdoors, finding unique wildlife and the glorious Hauraki Gulf. For heritage buffs there is an opportunity to immerse yourself in Auckland War Memorial Museum attractions, an ethnographic 19th century village (Howick) or wander through the historic seaside village of Devonport. Families have plenty to keep the kids entertained with SeaWorld and the convenience of a hop on and hop off bus stopping at top sights. Adventure is simply a jump away off the SkyTower attached to a bungy rope … and there is more …

Heritage buffs

• National War Memorial Museum ( 2 hours), Auckland Art Gallery (2 hours) lunch in one of the many city cafes. Afternoon Howick Historical Village
• Afternoon ferry to Devonport / lunch in cafes, wander heritage Devonport and visit Naval Museum

For further information check out Auckland top heritage sites and places of interest.

Fly to Rotorua, if you want to drive it is likely half a day driving and is not recommended for a one week itinerary. Fly Air New Zealand.

Day 3 – mid morning arrival

Highlights from redwood forest walk to Kuirau public park geothermal displays. The classic spa town with natural geothermal mineral water to soak away the cares of the world. Therapeutic mud to pamper the skin and restore your glow. Extraordinary natural displays of geotectonic energy from boiling mud pools to sheets of steaming pink fused water coating hillsides a delicate pink.

DAY 4

Perhaps your flights give you enough time to squeeze in a final hot pool experience. Allow up to 3 hours for travel to Rotorua airport – the flight – arrival in Christchurch.

Christchurch, Canterbury, visitors will discover a repurposed city with exciting contemporary architecture alongside restored heritage buildings. Find how the Avon River brings its natural beauty into the urban landscape. Explore a vibrant, transformative street culture with murals and public sculptures.

Check out the top nine attractions in Christchurch and get ready for serious fun exploring Christchurch. There are a wealth of attractions either accessible on the vintage tram or the Christchurch hop on and hop off bus.

Southern Alps, beautiful Lake Wakatipu and majestic mountains. Queenstown offers adrenaline rush white knuckle activities, vineyards and sophisticated award winning restaurants and cafes for a spot of gift shopping. Or two days exploring the crystal deep blue lakes and alpine scenery, perhaps encountering New Zealand’s alpine cheeky parrot, the Kea.  Finish your top to bottom of New Zealand with a promise to return.

• First time travel / visitors to New Zealand check out Frequently Asked Questions visitors ask.

GETTING AROUND NEW ZEALAND ON A SHORT HIGHLIGHTS TOUR – what is recommended

• Getting around New Zealand could we hire a vehicle / bike while in New Zealand?